Does the European Union's policymaking better represent citizens' concerns where they care? This analysis argues that territorial representation systematically weights national opinions based on their salience. Using a novel dataset tracking 211 policy issues across member states, we find nuanced results.

🔍 Data & Methods

This research employs original data compiled from EU policymaking records, encompassing 6,506 opinion-policy dyads related to 211 distinct policy topics over time. Observational studies rather than direct interventions form the basis of empirical findings.

📊 Key Findings

Contrary to uniform representation expectations:

• National-level opinions weighted by public concern better predict EU policy change

• The alignment between national opinion and corresponding EU policies is stronger for salient issues where citizens are more divided or clear-cut in their views

These patterns highlight a complex reality of democratic representation within federal systems.

🌍 Real-World Relevance

This research demonstrates how territorial representatives influence the opinion-policy linkage, revealing that citizen engagement isn't uniform across Europe. It underscores the practical importance of measuring public concern alongside policy preferences for understanding legislative dynamics.